Deeg67

Leeds has a ridiculous amount of attacking talent.

3 wins and 2 draws in 5. If this is their low ebb they're in good shape. I do think they're unlikely to hold off Leeds and Southampton for second, but I'm not writing them off yet. I don't think their success is a mirage but I don't think they have the squad depth of the 3 PL demotees.

I think we're the only club that has the luxury of worrying about winning the league. All the other contenders are going to be 100% focused on automatic promotion.

If you look at numbers like possession metrics and xG differential (xG loves possession) Southampton have been the best team in the league. Those stats aren't perfect obviously, but there may be some bad luck (or bad coaching) baked into them not being even higher.

I don't think they'd say that, he does have five goals. Rutter might get sold, injuries and rotation will happen, and he'll probably be more productive when he is playing as a 9. They could also add a #10 in January and start playing Rutter and Piroe together up top. As for Cannon, I think he has a real opportunity. Vardy and Kelechi aren't performing at a level that would keep Cannon off the pitch if he shows he's ready to be a difference-maker.

Being played out of position, basically as a #10 when he's a natural striker.

Two best sides in the league, and it'll be a surprise if they aren't the two automatically promoted in the end. Frankly 13 wins in 14 probably flattered us a little, but there's no shame in losing a tight match to a strong opponent.

Indeed, crazy early for that. Expected goals is a flawed stat for sure, but interesting nonetheless. In fact the top team in the league in xG differential is Southampton (Leeds is 3rd, and we’re 4th). We have by far the biggest gap between actual and xG differential of anybody in the top half of the table. Under Enzo we’re obviously very balanced and very good, but there may be a bit of luck involved in that points gap with Leeds and Southampton. As far as Leeds and their ability to turn us over, the top two players in the league for xG and xA per 90 are Rutter and Summerville, and James is 6th. They have the weapons to hurt us if we’re not at our best.

Gotta rotate players in this league. You shouldn't need your best 11 to handle a team at the bottom of the table.

That match next week could be a hell of a lot of fun to watch.